COMANCHE, Texas — When you think of Baylor Football, big names come to mind — Robert Griffin III, Mike Singletary, to name a few. These are legacies that Comanche’s Kyler Beaty aims to join as he officially signs to play for the Bears this upcoming season.
"It gives me motivation to strive to get better and be like those elite athletes. (Before committing) Coach Curtis sent me a text one day and that's when I started realizing I can do it, I just have to keep working," Beaty said.
The soon-to-be-freshman in Waco, Texas, signed to play as a defensive back. For the Indians, Beaty played on both sides of the football, and while he knows the saying that the "Big 12 does not play defense," he is looking to buck that trend.
"I have heard the saying and I plan on making those statements false. I plan on being someone that makes a difference for the team, I am motivated to do it," Beaty said.
For an 18-year-old, it was impressive that the word "Motivation" came up a lot throughout discussions on Wednesday afternoon. It is a trait that his mother, Chelsea Moreno, saw from an early age and believes it has been his biggest key to success.
"He is so driven, especially for a kid his age. He has always been like this. He has always been motivated to do big things, to do what he has wanted and go after what he wants," Moreno said.
With the success of Beaty up to this point, all eyes will be on the graduating senior. Even more so, considering he is the first athlete in the school's history to play for a Power Five football program.
"To be named with the few athletes from West Texas to play at the top of the next level is crazy, it is motivating. I have this whole community behind me. Everyone is pushing me, it makes me feel great," Beaty said.
As for what his message to the Baylor family is?
"I am ready to be a part of the family, and Sic' Em' Bears!" Beaty said.
Going forward, the defensive back now has his eyes on transitioning to the D-1 level as an athlete. With offseason programs to start this Summer, you can expect to see Beaty's jersey on your television screens once college football coverage begins.